Looking for a fast, flavorful, and budget-friendly pasta dish? This Pasta with Olive Oil and Garlic, also known as Pasta Aglio e Olio, is the ultimate pantry-staple recipe. Made with just a handful of ingredients—garlic, olive oil, spaghetti, red pepper flakes, and parsley—this traditional Italian dish is proof that simple is often best.Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s the perfect last-minute dinner or late-night craving fix that never fails to satisfy.🇮🇹 What Is Pasta Aglio e Olio?Pasta Aglio e Olio (pronounced ahl-yoh eh oh-lee-oh) means “garlic and oil” in Italian. It hails from Naples and is beloved for its bold simplicity. With just a few high-quality ingredients, this classic recipe delivers incredible flavor without any heavy sauces or complicated steps.🔥 Tips for the Best Aglio e Olio✔️ Use high quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor! I LOVE Olio Piro (use code GOURMETMAMI10 for discount)✔️ Slice garlic thinly for even cooking and flavor distribution.✔️ Don’t skimp on the olive oil—this is the sauce!Use fresh herbs and high-quality pasta for the best results.✔️ Add lemon zest, anchovies, or even sautéed shrimp for variations.🧄 Why You’ll Love This Recipe✔️ Quick & easy – Done in under 20 minutes✔️ Only a handful of ingredients – All pantry staples✔️ Vegetarian + dairy-free (without cheese)✔️ Customizable – Add greens, proteins, or extras✔️ Authentic Italian flavor on a budget🍷 What to Serve with Pasta Aglio e OlioPair this dish with:✔️A crisp green saladGarlic bread or focaccia✔️A glass of dry white wine like Pinot Grigio✔️Roasted veggies or grilled chicken for extra protein🥄 More Easy Pasta Recipes to Try:Miso Butter Cacio e PepeOne Pot Creamy Cajun PastaOne Pot Mediterranean Pasta📌 Save & Share! Made this Pasta Aglio e Olio? Tag me on Instagram @gourmet.mami so I can see your delicious dish! Don’t forget to save this recipe for the next time you need a fast and flavorful dinner.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti (use gluten-free if needed)
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 6 garlic cloves thinly sliced
- ¾ tsp sea salt
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes ,or more to your liking
- ½ teaspoon Aglio e Olio seasoning from Trader Joes optional
- 1 ¼ cups reserved pasta water
- ¼ cup grated parmesan (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped parsley
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Once boiling, add the pasta and cook 2 minutes less than the package instructions.
- Before you drain the pasta, reserve 1 ¼ cups of the pasta cooking water.
- Drain the pasta and set aside.
- In the same pot, heat the olive oil over low and add the garlic, stirring often so the garlic doesn't burn, add the ¾ tsp salt and crushed red pepper, and cook for 4-5 minutes, being sure the garlic doesn't get any color.
- Add the reserved pasta water into the oil, and reduce by ¼.
- Add the pasta back into the pan, bring to a simmer, stirring constantly until the liquid reduces again by ¼, coating the pasta and the pasta is al dente, or cooked to your liking.
- Turn the heat off and add parmesan, fresh parsley and Trader Joe’s Aglio e Olio seasoning (optional).
- Toss once more to combine and serve immediately.
Nutrition
Calories: 404kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 10gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 554mgPotassium: 179mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 407IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 81mgIron: 1mg
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